Exercise - Working Back to it After or During Treatment

Hi guys, Jen here, from San Diego.

Just thought I'd introduce myself and tell you guys where I'm at:

I had my bilateral mastectomy with expanders on May 30th, and I just started chemotherapy last Wednesday. Before all of this I was an avid hiker, constantly on my bicycle, in the ocean everyday after work in the summer... You get the idea. Now? An hour or so of mild to moderate activity ends up with a four-hour nap. My energy levels are really, really low after the chemo, although hopefully now that the first week has passed that will improve-my treatments are every 3 weeks.

I returned to gentle/restorative yoga about 5 1/2 weeks after my surgery. Went for about a week and a half, then started chemo a week ago and just went back to the studio this morning. The classes I'm doing now are mostly sitting and lying down, with a lot of hip-opening type of stuff and breathing.

Haven't been able to do much walking, I've just been too clobbered. In theory I'll be dragging myself down to the gym for some light cardio, like walking on the treadmill or elliptical soon- my goal is this weekend. I'd prefer to walk around the neighborhood or the park but nowadays I can't stand any kind of heat without busting out in a rash (even though I used to pretty much live in the sun!) and I can't get myself up early enough to take advantage of the early morning cool time. 

I'm just trying my best to keep at least a tiny bit active, and trying my best not to beat myself up for not being able to do what I think I "should" be able to. 

It's great to see everyone here working towards their goals and supporting each other, and it hope I can be a part of that as well!

Here's a question: I'm so worried about the germ thing with the chemo- is it maybe actually a BAD idea to go to the gym? I can't see myself working out with a mask on...

Anyway, nice to meet you all. I'll read through the older posts a little more and get a sense of who's who now

Just wondering if anyone has done the "ropes" after reconstruction.  I'm talking about the two thick white ropes in the gym, that you hold one in each hand, and then move your arms up and down making the ropes move in a fluid up/down motion.

yeah I just had a really bad WBC crash and ended up in the hospital for a couple of days with neutropenic fever. Will definitely be incorporating the neulasta into my regular cycle after this to prevent that from happening again. Haven't had a day where I've felt good enough to think about the gym yet, but now I'm freaked put enough by everything that I will likely avoid it anyway. Time to start getting up early for walks before it gets too hot!

JenKay- I got the neulasta shot after each chemo and I believe it helped.  Never had a low blood count.  I was told to take a Claritan the day before, during and after Neulasta to help with any potential side effects.  It was the nurses who suggested it.  Since I did not have any SE, it probably worked. I went to the grocery store and got the generic version for $1.99 for 24 tablets. Oh ya, they said to take Claritan but not Claritan D.  But please check with your nurse/onc to be sure.

Mischief - welcome! We have a similar diagnosis, except for the nodes. (lucky you!)  My PS was adamant about being very careful and no exercises involving the pecs with the TEs.  I think you can easily damage them.  After the exchange you will feel better and can slowly start working the upper body.  From these boards it is evident that everyone is moving ahead at a different pace, so I can't give you any advice.  I am 6 weeks out from my exchange but am still scared to do much at the gym involving my arms and chest.  But my legs are powerful! Hopefully someone farther out can help you.

Since you are a personal trainer it must be really hard to do so little in the gym.  Hang in there!

Hi Ginger, I'm doing great, thanks for asking!! I have really stepped up my exercise; I joined a rowing club, try to go twice a week and two weeks ago I rowed in the Head of the Ohio regatta (which is one of the bigger ones in the country) and our boat took third place! I feel like a little kid with my t-ball trophy! I have never been faithful about exercise, and I have never been athletic so this is huge for me. I hope everyone else in this thread is doing well; it concerns me when we don't hear from people. Hugs to all of you!

Martha

I always wanted to try rowing.  It looks like fun. 

3 weeks post HX,, and I'm walking,,,, hopefully back to gym in one more week.

Hi Amelia, I do feel some tightness after rowing, I am wondering if it might be a slight bit of truncal lymphedema. Although I feel it on both sides of my chest (had only two sentinel nodes out of the left, but all the nodes out of the right). Or it may just be muscular, my chest wall has felt completely different since my surgery (not much sensation at all) so maybe that's why it feel different than usual muscle pain. My BS had told me not to row due to the risk of lymphedema, but my PT said it was okay with a sleeve. I did come across an article on line about a BS in Boston who was doing a research study about rowing and lymphedema; although I can't locate it again. I get the same kind of sensation if I do anything that is strenuous to the upper body.

Martha